Expressions of Praise

In the writings of the Apostles, Yahweh is praised for confirming the covenant through the Lord Jesus (Luke 1:68-70), for providing him as a means of victory (1 Cor. 15:57), of triumph (2 Cor. 2:14), of blessing (Eph. 1:3), of fellowship (Col. 1:12), of hope (1 Pet. 1:3).

Consider the following doxologies, or expressions of praise:
"For of Him, and through Him, and to Him are all things; to Whom be glory for ever. Amen" (Rom. 11:36).
"Now to Him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ .... to God only wise, be glory, through Jesus Christ, for ever. Amen" (Rom. 16:25,27).
"Now unto Him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, unto Him be glory in the ecclesia by Christ Jesus, throughout all ages, world without end. Amen" (Eph. 3:20-21).
"Now unto God and our Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen" (Phil. 4:20).
"Now unto Him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy, to the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, now and for ever. Amen" (Jude 24-25).
Yahweh is praised in Scripture for prayers heard (Ps. 28:6; 66:20; 116:1-2; 118:21; Dan. 2:19-23), for daily mercies (Ps. 13:6; 35:27-28; 68:19; 103:2; 116:12-13), for special deliverances (Ps. 31:7-8; Jer. 20:13; Exod. 18:10), for public benefits towards Israel (1 Kings 8:56; Ps. 98:3; Isa. 63:7; Ezra 7:27-28), for protection (Ps. 31:21; 55:18; 18:47-49; 66:3; 98:1-2; 2 Sam. 22:40).

Expressions of exultation are found in the following prayers:
"And Hannah prayed, and said, My heart rejoiceth in Yahweh; mine horn is exalted in Yahweh; my mouth is enlarged over mine enemies; because I rejoice in Thy salvation" (1 Sam. 2:1).
"And now shall mine head be lifted up above mine enemies round about me; therefore, will I offer in His tabernacle, sacrifices of joy; I will sing, yea, I will sing praises unto the Lord" (Ps. 27:6).
Praise for Yahweh can be summed up in the following prayer:
"How precious also are Thy thoughts unto me, 0 God! how great is the sum of them! If I should count them, they are more in number than the sand; when 1 awake, I am still with Thee" (Ps. 139:17-18).

Paul's Ascription Of Praise To God

As Paul considered the merciful provision of Yahweh as revealed in His plan of salvation for His family or His nation, He broke into unstinted praise of the Creator. "O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments, and His ways past finding out! For who hath known the mind of the Lord? or who hath been His counsellor? or who hath first given to Him, and it shall be recompensed unto Him again? For of Him, and through Him, and to Him, are all things: to Whom be glory for ever. Amen" (Rom. 11:33-36). The depths of wisdom and knowledge revealed in the atonement, whether considered nationally in regard to Israel, or personally, are beyond human ingenuity to search out. No one has aided Yahweh to that end. He is in debt to none. Out of Him, by means of Him, and for His glory have all these things been provided, as in Christ He has revealed Himself to that end. As we consider His mercy and His goodness, His providential care and His greatness, and as we consider our privileged position in being drawn thereunto, we, too, can enter into the spirit of Paul's ascription of praise, and conclude it with a resounding Amen!

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